Interior Designer

indesign

An environment that is unified, holistic, and organic refines equality throughout the West Hampton Elementary School. The Stingray, a metaphorical symbol of both deep thinking and leadership uses the geometrical principles of nature and will be replicated in the design through sequencing, school colors, curvilinear architectural, and art focused classrooms. The entrance of geometrical shapes in the spaces will provide an interchanging look and highlight visually textured surfaces. Designed with the “Stingray Nation” in mind, the space will resonate with those who appreciate art and design, but also to those who share a scholastic sense of pride. Like principles in design, the environment will be artistic, harmonious, and bring a unified spirit to the occupants through collaborative spaces.

Maelee Arnold Interior’s was contracted to design the third grade class room and activity space of the West Hampton’s Elementary School. The design must be harmonious and functional for children.

THE CONCEPT FOR RE-DESIGN OF WEST HAMPTON ELEMENTARY CENTERS AROUND THE VIBRANT CREATIVITY OF YOUTH. THE FOCUS FOR WEST HAMPTON IS TO ENHANCE CHILDREN’S EDUCATION THROUGH HANDS-ON LEARNING INITIATIVES THAT INTEGRATE ARTS EDUCATION AND INDIVIDUAL LEADERSHIP. INCORPORATING BOLD COLORS REMINISCENT OF THE HAMPTONS COASTAL SETTING TIES THE SCHOOL TO ITS SURROUNDING COMMUNITY. OPEN AND ACCESSIBLE SPACES THROUGHOUT, ALLOW EACH STUDENT THE FREEDOM TO ENGAGE IN THE OPPORTUNITIES THAT SURROUND THEM

Maelee Arnold Interior’s took the time to research the needs of third grade class rooms before picking out any furniture, finishes, and equipment (FFE). After researching, it was apparent that third grade is the grade year where children transition from single desk to group tables. It was also apparent that third grade scholars spend a lot of time focusing on science and math. To help incorporate third grade standards I found single movable desk that can be pushed-together to create a “table space” or “group space” for all the students. On top of mobility in the classroom, I also added THREE group areas that would give students a place to work on Science, Math or Reading; independently, in a group, or with the teacher.

Smith and System Silhouette Desk

I focused on a blue, orange and grey color palette that mimics West Hampton’s beaches for the classroom. Too much color can cause a “wondering eye”, which is not ideal in a school space. Not only was color an important element of our design but texture and shape was as well. I decided to carry a hexagon/ “honey comb” shape through out the third grade class rooms and activity space. Adding different shapes brought interest to the human eye

The activity space was by far the funnest space to design! I was given an empty room with curved walls. During my design process I had to consider ALL children. A design that would accommodate every one of the Third Grade. I decided to turn one wall into a “storage” / “slot” wall. The wall thickness has been taken from the standard 6″ to a solid 16″! The extra space allowed me to place the seating IN the wall. The idea of this came from children in wheelchairs. Disabled children should never feel secluded due to their mobility. When you add-on the extra width to the wall it allows children and teachers to GRAB the seating down and place it around wheelchairs.

I also added in PLINKO board, hexagon wall seating and a book nook for the Third Graders!